Techie Tuesday Version 1.10 - Professional Development through Twitter

It has been a little bit over 2 years since I started engulfing myself into education technology.  I was lucky enough to accompany Mr. McAtee to a 2-day education technology workshop at Monticello's Ivy Tech.  These sessions were hosted by Mr. John Kuglin (www.kuglin.com).  He opened my eyes to a multitude of possibilities for the uses of technology in the classroom.  (Even in the math classroom.)  Since that time, I have been lucky enough to attend multiple other conferences and workshops that cover technology in the classroom.  When I return from each conference I cannot wait to try something new in the classroom.  It does not necessarily always go as planned, but I still like the anticipation feeling that I get when trying something new that is not "paper-and-pencil".

After attending edtech conferences I really enjoy sharing the new knowledge I have attained.  (Hence, the creation of this blog, as an example.)  Lately, I have had colleagues start asking me if I learned anything new that I would be willing to share.  OF COURSE!  How else will we prepare our students for 21st Century jobs unless we share our experiences and knowledge, right?  

Now, there are lulls in my schedule (just like all teachers) where I cannot attend a professional development conference.  So you may ask, "Where do you learn new education technology tips when you do not attend a conference?"  Well, it's easy...Twitter!  Almost every night before I go to bed I like to take the iPad or iPhone out and check on the lastest edtech musings from around the globe.  Twitter allows me to do this.  Here is a quick introduction to the many things you can do with Twitter.

One of the most useful tools for Twitter is the ability to join in Twitter chats by using hashtags.  For example, each Thursday from 8-9 PM I try to attend the #INeLearn chat.  The typical format is one where the facilitator will pose about 5 questions throughout the hour.  Participants can respond to these questions by answering in 140 characters or less and by using the #INeLearn hashtag.  Just last week I participated in the #INeLearn chat.  See the picture below.

Last week I also made a new connection with a math teacher at Noblesville HS.  Through our Twitter exchange, we were also able to tag other companies by using their profile address.  See how they responded a couple days later.

Here are a few of the hashtags I like to use and follow:

#INeLearn

#algebra1

#algebra2

#precalc

#edtech

#edchat

I'll go over how I use hashtags with my classes in a future post.

If you have any interest in starting your own Twitter account, feel free to ask me any questions you may have.  But be careful...you may just find something useful out there.  And if you do, don't hesitate to follow me: @MrKline_TL  Below are some helpful strategies for the use of Twitter in your professional (and personal) life.

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